Himachal Pradesh Launches Malnutrition Scheme

The India — Himachal Pradesh government has launched the Indira Gandhi Matri Shishu Sankalp Yojna (IGMSSY) with an outlay of Rs 207.11 crore. This scheme aims to strengthen women and child healthcare services and combat malnutrition in India — Himachal Pradesh by providing high-quality protein, essential calories, and vital micronutrients to children below six years of age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the importance of ensuring access to nutritious food to reduce the social and economic burden of malnutrition. The initiative focuses on addressing intergenerational malnutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life through coordinated nutrition, health, and care interventions. It also seeks to reduce child mortality and morbidity, improve nutritional outcomes, and ensure early identification and management of high-risk groups like Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) and Moderately Acute Malnourished (MAM) children. The scheme includes capacity-building for frontline workers, provision of scientifically designed fortified food premixes, and incentives for ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened through digital tracking systems and inter-departmental convergence involving various government departments.